Interactive system for processing and retrieving data relating to a particular destination via a communication device

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to, in part, an efficient system and method for providing precise information to a user in response to a user input, as well as facilitating contact with merchants and other third parties. More specifically, a method is disclosed for providing data relating to a geographic location in a particular destination in response to a user input. The method comprises providing a map including the geographic location, receiving an identifier combination comprising a location identifier and a need identifier ( 609 ), accessing the data relating to the geographic location in a remote database based on the identifier combination ( 610 ), and transmitting the data to a user via a communication device. A method is also disclosed for providing data relating to one or more categories of information specific to a particular destination in response to a user input comprising providing a map including the particular destination, receiving an identifier combination comprising a need identifier and a sub-need identifier, accessing the data relating to the particular destination in a remote database, based on the identifier combination ( 646 ), and transmitting the data relating to the particular destination to a user via a communication device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an information processing system. Inparticular, the invention relates to an interactive system forprocessing and retrieving data relating to a particular destination viaa communication device such as a telephone.

[0003] 2. Background

[0004] With substantial growth in purchasing power over the past tenyears and with increasingly accessible airline rates during this sameperiod, it has become common for many households to engage in leisuretravel, both domestic and international. Of particular note is thegrowth of the baby boomer travel market as well as the growingretirement population in good health and with the financial means toafford travel. Likewise, the continuing globalization of commerce hasspawned an increase in business travel.

[0005] One problem commonly encountered by travelers is the loss ofautonomy in a travel destination, whether it be foreign or not.Travelers often face an inability to efficiently make informed decisionsconcerning what sites to visit, where to eat, where to shop, the fastestway to get to a given destination, who to contact in case of anemergency, etc. Presently, there are various sources of information andassistance for travelers in the travel art, including travel agencies,hotel concierge services, travel books, personal/group guides, andinternet travel websites. However each of these travel aides has one ormore disadvantages associated with it. Travel agents are unavailable forresolving “on the spot” needs as they arise. Travel books tend to becumbersome, expensive and inefficient, especially when several volumesare required for a single trip. Hotel concierge services are onlyavailable at a traveler's hotel, and their availability is limited dueto the large demand by other hotel guests. Personal guides are generallyvery expensive and group guides do not allow for travelers to makepersonalized and autonomous travel decisions. In addition, travelersoften prefer not to travel with a third-party “stranger” for reasons ofprivacy and independence. Finally, internet travel websites require aninternet connection. In addition, a great amount of searching is oftenrequired to find what a traveler is looking for, and such searching canbe time consuming depending on the speed of the connection.

[0006] In addition to the foregoing problems, emergencies such as, forexample, the loss or theft of a passport or credit card, a sudden healthproblem, or an unexpected need for a taxi, may arise while the traveleris touring, resulting in potentially grave consequences for thetraveler. Current travel resources are not always conducive to dealingwith such emergencies. Additionally, the problems associated with traveldecisions and resources are intensified for travelers in foreigncountries where an inability to speak the language in the destinationcountry further reduces autonomy. Because travelers in foreign countriestypically cannot easily converse with persons in the host country, it isdesirable to have the assistance of a bi-lingual guide. However, for thereasons mentioned above, options presently available have manydisadvantages.

[0007] In light of the foregoing, there exists a need in the travel artfor a travel resource that allows travelers to quickly resolve “on thespot” needs, is not physically cumbersome, is available to the travelerat all times, and provides independent, customized, personal travelinformation at relatively low cost.

SUMMARY

[0008] The present invention is directed to, in part, an efficientsystem and method for providing destination-specific information inresponse to a user input, as well as facilitating contact with merchantsand other third parties. More specifically, a method is disclosed forproviding data relating to a geographic location in a particulardestination in response to a user input. The method comprises providinga map including the geographic location, receiving an identifiercombination comprising a location identifier and a need identifier,accessing the data relating to the geographic location in a remotedatabase based on the identifier combination, and transmitting the datato a user via a communication device. The method may further includeproviding one or more feature modes to allow the user to execute acorresponding feature. Furthermore, the method may include providing afull size map and a plurality of focused maps, wherein each focused mapuniquely corresponds to one of a plurality of geographic locations onthe full size map.

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, a method is disclosed forproviding data relating to one or more categories of informationspecific to a particular destination in response to a user inputcomprising providing a map including the particular destination,receiving an identifier combination comprising a need identifier and asub-need identifier, accessing the data relating to the particulardestination in a remote database, based on the identifier combination,and transmitting the data relating to the particular destination to auser via a communication device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] The invention can be better understood with reference to thefollowing figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily toscale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principals ofthe invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numeralsdesignate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

[0011]FIG. 1a illustrates a system for providing data relating to aparticular destination in accordance with the invention.

[0012]FIG. 1b illustrates a cellular telephone 118 that can be used as acommunication device in the system of FIG. 1a.

[0013]FIGS. 2a and 2 b illustrate two potential approaches to organizingthe data relating to a particular destination in accordance with theinvention.

[0014]FIG. 3 illustrates one potential database architecture.

[0015]FIGS. 4a and 4 b illustrates a full size map (FIG. 4a) and afocused map (FIG. 4b), respectively, as shown in FIG. 1a.

[0016]FIG. 5 illustrates one potential method of gaining access to thedatabase 126 of the system of FIG. 1a via a communication device.

[0017]FIG. 6 illustrates one potential method of providing data relatingto a particular destination in response to a user input, in accordancewith the invention.

[0018]FIG. 7 illustrates a process of accessing the database by amerchant.

[0019]FIG. 8 illustrates a fast forward subroutine that may be providedin accordance with the invention.

[0020]FIG. 9 illustrates a return/rewind subroutine that may be providedin accordance with the invention.

[0021]FIG. 10 illustrates a potential process for providing an addressbook mode which may be provided in connection with the presentinvention.

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to the description of theinvention as illustrated in the drawings. While the invention will bedescribed in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limitit to the embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, the intent is to coverall alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within thespirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The invention can be broadly described as an interactive systemfor processing and retrieving data relating to a particular destinationvia a communication device.

[0024]FIG. 1a illustrates a system for providing data relating to aparticular destination in accordance with the invention. A particulardestination may be any site or locality including, but not limited to, acity, region, country, shopping mall, theme park or other similarattraction, building or campus. Furthermore, a particular destinationincludes one or more geographic locations within the particulardestination. A geographic location may similarly be any site or localitywithin a particular destination.

[0025] The system may include a computer or processor 116 which may beaccessed by users via a number of different types of communicationsdevices such as, for example, cellular telephones 118, PDAs 120, orstandard telephones 122 operating on a public switched telephone network(PSTN). The communications devices 118-122 may be owned by a user,temporarily provided to a user by a supplier as part of a servicepackage, or available to a user via a hotel telephone or other publictelephone. The processor 116 may also be accessed by a number ofmerchants 124 through various means (see, e.g., FIG. 7). As explainedfurther herein, the system may also provide users with a system VIP card125 which such users may present to various merchants 124 in order toreceive special rewards.

[0026] The processor 116 includes a database 126 containing data filesor data records relating to the particular destination identified onsystem maps 102-108. The system maps 102-108 are discussed in furtherdetail below. In addition, the processor 116 may include variousprograms or subroutines such as, for example, a call forwardingsubroutine 128, a fast forward/rewind subroutine 130, a user securitysubroutine 132, a merchant enrollment program 134, an address booksubroutine 136, and a pause subroutine 138. Alternatively some or all ofthese programs or subroutines may be located locally in thecommunication devices 118-122, rather than remotely in the processor116.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the processor 116 may be aconventional computer server which may be accessed by variouscommunications devices 118, 120, 122, as well as via one or morepersonal computers. The processor may alternatively be a personalcomputer or other processor device. The subroutines and programs 128-138located in the processor are generally simple and/or conventionalcomputer programs which one of ordinary skill in the art of programminghaving the present specifications and drawings before them, would beable to implement. Many of these subroutines and programs are describedfurther with respect to FIGS. 5 (security program/subroutine), 6 (pauseprogram), 7 (merchant access), 8 (fast forward subroutine), 9(return/rewind subroutine), and 10 (address book program).

[0028] The database 126 operably associated with the processor 116 ispreferably a conventional database storing pre-generated data files.However, any means of storing the information may be utilized. Anexample database structure is described in association with FIG. 3. Inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the database126 is developed to provide data or information relating to a particulardestination. The database may include a number of unique data files ordata records (these terms are used interchangeably herein), each ofwhich may be stored and accessed individually. In particular, theparticular destination for which data is being provided may be definedby one or more geographic locations and/or categories of information.

[0029] Generally, a particular destination or a specific geographiclocation may be defined by various categories of information including,for example, historical information, opening times and prices for apoint of interest (e.g., a building, park or other public attraction),nearby restaurants, nearby boutiques, nearby hotels, off the beaten pathsites, entertainment, special events, time and money saving tips,transportation facilities and other destination-specific data. Bothgeographic locations and categories of information within a particulardestination may be selected based on factors such as market study data,and may include the most frequently visited sites or locations in theparticular destination or near the geographic locations.

[0030] As explained above, the system may include various system maps102-108, wherein the system maps 102-108 may be associated with aplurality of data files contained in the database. Specifically, thesystem maps include at least one full size map 102 of a particulardestination, and a plurality of focused maps 104-108, each of which mayrepresent a respective portion 110-114 of the full size map 102. Theserespective portions of the full size map are referred to herein as the“geographic locations,” and represent various sites or locations ofinterest in the particular destination represented by the full size map102. One or more of the system maps 102-108 may include a key or legendwith corresponding textual information 109 corresponding to informationstored in the database 126.

[0031] Both the full size map 102 and the focused maps 104-108 mayinclude various icons 111 identifying the position of various featuressuch as, for example, restaurants, boutiques and/or stores,transportation, and other points of interest. As shown in FIG. 1a, theseicons may be coded to provide quick graphical indications of the variousfeatures. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1a, the various icons may be,for example, “O” to represent restaurants, “□” to represent boutiquesand/or stores, “Δ” to represent transportation, and “⋆” to representother points of interest. In addition or alternative to the icons, thesystem maps 102-108 and/or the keys or legends 109 may include otherindicia such as, for example, color-coded bands or markings, to indicateor identify various features and/or categories of information (e.g.,shopping districts, theater districts, transportation stops, etc.). Thefull size map 102 and the focused maps 104-108 would preferably bepaper-based maps, but may also be electronic maps displayed, forexample, on a computer screen or on the screen of a personal digitalassistant (PDA). The system maps 102-108 are discussed further withrespect to FIG. 4.

[0032]FIG. 1b illustrates a cellular telephone 118 that can be used as acommunication device in the system of FIG. 1a. The cellular telephone118 may include a display 140, number keys 142, feature mode keys144-160, an “enter” key 162, and a “clear/exit” key 164. Of course,other types of cellular telephones are known, each potentially havingdifferent labels for its keys. Similarly, in an alternative embodiment,where the communication device may not include specific feature modekeys, the feature modes described herein may be accessed viapre-programmed mode keys, where various number keys 142 arepre-programmed to correspond to particular modes. For example, thenumber “3” may correspond to a pre-programmed fast forward identifier,and the number “1” may correspond to a pre-programmed return/rewindidentifier. The various keys 142-164 of the cellular telephone (or othercommunication device) enable the system to receive various user inputs.

[0033] As explained below, various unique codes (e.g., “5#7”) may betransmitted by the user via the communication device to obtain datafiles relating to a particular destination. The communication device mayalso include various feature mode keys 144-160. The feature mode keysmay include, for example, an address book key 144, speed dial key 146,manual dial key 148, currency converter key 150, pause key 152, fastforward key 154, return/rewind key 156, internet access key 158, andmute key 160. If, for example, the manual dial key 148 is selected, thecommunication device 118 may be initialized to operate as a regularcellular telephone, whereby the user can make regular telephone calls ina well-known manner. Similarly, if the currency converter key 150 isselected, the communication device 118 may be initialized to operate asa currency converter, whereby the user can convert values of currency.It would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art having thepresent specification and drawings before them, how to program theprocessor or the communication device to operate under any of thesemodes. Furthermore, these feature modes may be either accessed locallythrough the communication device 118 itself, or remotely through theprocessor 116.

[0034]FIG. 2a illustrates one potential approach to organizing datarelating to a geographic location in the particular destination, inaccordance with the invention. For purposes of describing this FIG. 2a,each geographic location will be generically referred to as location orsite “N”. Each site N 202 may be defined by a number of differentcategories of information 204. Each of the different categories ofinformation 204 corresponding to geographic location N 202 may beuniquely associated with a data file 206 in the database 126. Inresponse to a user input, the data from a data file 206 may be providedto the user either aurally or textually (as explained further withrespect to FIG. 6).

[0035] For example, as shown in FIG. 2a, site N may be a touristlocation which may be defined by (1) historical information, (2) timesand prices, (3) nearby sites of interest, (4) nearby restaurants, (5)nearby shopping, and (6) nearby hotels. As another example, the systemmay be used to help acclimate a potential transferee to a new city ortown with various neighborhoods, suburbs or towns nearby his or her newwork site. In such an example, the site, N, may be a particularneighborhood which may be defined by (1) demographic information; (2)real estate information; (3) nearby shopping; (4) nearby restaurants;(5) schools; (6) places of worship, etc. As would be understood by thoseof ordinary skill in the art having the present specification anddrawings before them, this sytem and method can be applied to othervarious geographically based situations such as shopping malls (e.g.,N=stores) or college campuses (e.g., N=residential halls, apartments,etc.).

[0036]FIG. 2b illustrates another potential approach to organizing datarelating to a particular destination in accordance with the invention.For purposes of describing this FIG. 2b, each category of informationdefining the particular destination will be generically referred to ascategory “N”. Each category N 252 may be defined by a number ofdifferent sub-categories of information 254. Each of the differentsub-categories of information 254 corresponding to category N 252 may beuniquely associated with a data file 256 in the database 126. Inresponse to a user input, the data from a data file 256 may be providedto the user either aurally or textually (as explained further withrespect to FIG. 6).

[0037] For example, as shown in FIG. 2b, category N may correspond toEntertainment in a particular destination which may be defined by (1)sports facilities, (2) theater, (3) night clubs, (4) theme parks, (5)cinemas, and (6) health clubs. In another such example, category N maycorrespond to shopping districts which may be defined as (1) departmentstores; (2) street markets; (3) antique dealers; and (4) ethnicquarters. As another example, the system may be used to help acclimate apotential transferee to a new city or town with various neighborhoods,suburbs or towns nearby his or her new work site. In such an example,the category N may correspond to Doctors in a particular destinationwhich may be defined by offices of (1) pediatricians, (2) dentists, (3)surgeons, (4) dermatologists, (5) ophthalmologists, and (6) generalpractitioners. As would be understood by those of ordinary skill in theart having the present specification and drawings before them, thissystem and method can be applied to other various categories ofinformation based such as special events, emergency locations, orshopping.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, some of the data files asdescribed with respect to FIGS. 2a and 2 b may include particular itemsof information 208-214, 258-262. Such items of information 208-214,258-262 may be interactive. For example, with respect to FIG. 2a, acategory of historical information 204 a may correspond to an associatedaural or textual data file 206 a listing or discussing historicalinformation regarding a geographic location N 202. However, eitherbefore, during or after the data file 206 a is provided to a user, theuser may, in one approach of the invention, have an opportunity torequest more detailed historical information relating to the particulargeographic location N 202. Similarly, with respect to FIG. 2b, for acategory N, 252, of Entertainment, a sub-category of sports facilities254 e may correspond to an associated aural or textual data file 256 elisting or discussing various sports events, activities or teams in theparticular destination. However, either before, during or after the datafile 256 e is provided to a user, the user may, in one approach of theinvention, have an opportunity to request more detailed information 262about a particular sports event, activity or team. Such items ofinformation may be stored in a data sub-files 210, 260, and furtherdefining either a site N 202 or a category N 252.

[0039] In one embodiment, the items of information 208-214, 258-262(e.g., specific restaurants near a geographic location, or specificsports events in a particular destination) are collectively contained inone data file. In such an embodiment, each item of information may beaccessed by the user by selecting a pre-programmed fast-forward orrewind identifier as described below with respect to FIGS. 1b, 8 and 9.Thus, if, while the user is receiving data from a data file, he or shedesires to skip ahead to the third item (e.g., a description of thethird restaurant in the line-up, or describing the third event in a listof sporting events), the user may, for example, select thepre-programmed fast forward key three times to get to the desiredinformation. Alternatively, in one embodiment, each item of information208-214, 258-262 as described herein may be contained in its owndistinct data file.

[0040]FIG. 3 illustrates one potential database architecture. As shownin FIG. 3, the database 126 may be organized in a two-dimensional arraywhere the rows 302 represent, for example, the geographic locations, andthe columns 304 represent, for example, the categories of informationwhich define the geographic locations (as described with respect to FIG.2a). In addition or alternatively, the rows 302 may represent categoriesof information relating to the particular destination, and the columns304 may represent sub-categories of information (as described withrespect to FIG. 2b). In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, each locationin the database may store a data record or point to a data recordelsewhere in memory. The data files or records are identified by aunique combination of one or more identifiers (“identifiercombination”). For example, the data file associated with the fifth rowof the seventh column (306) may be uniquely identified by a combinationof three identifiers: “5”, “#”, “7”, where the first identifier in thecombination may be a location identifier (i.e., an identifier whichcorresponds to a geographic location within a particular destination),the second identifier in the combination may be a link identifier (i.e.,linking the first and third identifiers), and the third identifier maybe a need identifier (i.e., an identifier which corresponds to aparticular category of information). Alternatively, the first identifiermay be a need identifier (corresponding to a category of information inthe particular destination) and the third identifier may be a sub-needidentifier (corresponding to a sub-category of information furtherdefining the category of information).

[0041] In one embodiment, there may even be additional identifiers inthe identifier combination. In such an embodiment, the identifiercombination may be, for example, 5#7#3, where “3” may represents aparticular item of category “7” defining location “5”. Alternatively, 3may represent a particular item of sub-category 7 of category 5. In thisapproach, the link identifier (“#”) links multiple identifiers together.

[0042] Assuming, for example, the location identifiers represent thefollowing sample geographic locations in and around Paris, France (Table1A), and the need identifiers represent the following sample categoriesof information which define each geographic location (Table 1B), thedata file identified by “5#7” represents a data record havinginformation on entertainment near the Louvre. TABLE 1A 1 Eiffel Tower 2Notre Dame 3 Arch of Triumph 4 Concorde 5 Louvre Museum 6 Orsay Museum 7Opera 8 Montmartre 9 Versailles

[0043] TABLE 1B 1 Historical Information 2 Opening Times & Prices 3Nearby sites of interest 4 Nearby restaurants 5 Nearby boutiques 6Nearby hotels 7 Nearby entertainment

[0044] In one embodiment, when a data file contains multiple selections(for example, the data file containing information on restaurants nearthe Eiffel Tower may include a list of multiple such restaurants), thedatabase architecture may be a three-dimensional (rather than twodimensional) array. Thus, while the data file identified by “1#4” mayprovide (aurally or textually) a list of restaurants near the EiffelTower, the data file identified by “1#4#5” may describe a particularrestaurant near the Eiffel Tower. As another example, the “Nearbyboutiques” category of information may have subcategories such as (i)antiques and art galleries (ii) china, crystal & silver (iii) departmentstores (iv) designer fashions (v) flea markets (vi) gourmet foods (vii)jewelers (viii) open air food markets (ix) open air flower markets.Thus, information on jewelers near Notre Dame will be identified by theidentifier combination, “2#5#7”. While the geographic location may bechanging, the further descriptions corresponding to need identifiersentered by a user via the communications devices may be kept uniform(e.g. the need identifier “1” may correspond to historic information,regardless of the particular geographic location of interest). Thisconsistency of references to the various need categories may providefurther convenience to the user.

[0045]FIGS. 4a and 4 b illustrate a full size map 102 and a focused map108, respectively, for use in a preferred approach to the system of FIG.1a. Typically, a catalogue or index of identifier combinations, as wellas most or all identifier combinations, may be provided in the systemmaps. The full size map 102 is generally a map of a particular city, andidentifies various geographic locations 402 within the city.Alternatively the full size map 102 may be a map of a country or of apublic location or attraction (e.g., an amusement park), whichidentifies various geographic locations 402 within the country (e.g.,cities in the country) or public location (e.g., rides at an amusementpark), respectively. The focused maps 108 are enlarged maps of each suchgeographic location 402. For example, the focused map 108 illustrated inFIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of Location No. 3 (404) on the full sizemap 102.

[0046] As explained above, both the focused map 108 and the full sizemap 102 may include a key and/or legend with written textual information109. This legend may further explain the symbols or icons (e.g., ⋆,{circle over (1)}, □) 111 for representing various categories ofinformation (i.e., points of interest, restaurants, boutiques,respectively), and these symbols identify, on the focused map 108, whereparticular sites are located. In addition or alternatively, the systemmaps 102-108 and/or the keys or legends 109 may include other indiciasuch as, for example color-coded bands or markings, to indicate oridentify various features and/or categories of information (e.g.,shopping districts, theater districts, transportation stops, governmentbuildings, etc.).

[0047] The headings 408 of the key/legend 109 on the full size map 102and/or the focused maps 108 may indicate the appropriate code to enterinto the communication device in order to obtain particular data filesregarding various categories of information. For example, a user wouldenter “3 #4” to obtain information about restaurants in and aroundLocation 3. The user might then enter “4” to obtain specific informationfrom the data file or sub-file associated with the fourth restaurant onthe list of restaurants in and around Location 3. Alternatively, whilereceiving a data file corresponding to the identifier “3#4, ” the usermay enter the fast forward key or identifier 4 times to receive theinformation relating to the fourth restaurant on the list of restaurantsnear Location 3. As noted above, in a system that maintains theconsistency of coding for accessing various categories of information,it would be particularly easy to omit the legend on any or allparticular focused map. In fact, various alternatives may becomeapparent in view of the present description.

[0048]FIG. 5 illustrates one potential method of gaining access to thedatabase 126 of the system of FIG. 1a via a communication device118-122. As explained above, the communication device may be, forexample, a cellular telephone, a PDA, or a standard telephone operatingon a PSTN. In order to access the database, the processor may require asecurity check to verify that the user is entitled to such access. Thisprocess of gaining access to the database (steps 504-518, also referredto as the user security subroutine) may be accomplished locally in thecommunication device or remotely via a subroutine (132 in FIG. 1a) inthe processor (116 in FIG. 1a).

[0049] First, the communication device is turned on, step 502. When thecommunication device is powered on, an error index associated with thesecurity subroutine (“security error index”) may be set to zero (0),step 504. The user may then be asked to enter a password, step 506, viaa keypad or other input means. In one embodiment of the invention, forextra security, the user may be asked to confirm the password 508. Thepassword may then be checked for correctness, 510, and if the passwordentered by the user is correct, an aural or textual confirmation messagemay be transmitted to the user via the communication device, and thesecurity error index is reset to zero (0), 520. In one embodiment of theinvention, an aural or textual welcome message may be transmitted to theuser once the user has obtained access to the database, step 522.Alternatively, there may be no confirmation or welcome message, and ifthe password is correct, the processor waits for an input 524.

[0050] If the user fails to enter a correct password, an error messagemay be provided by the processor 116 (either aurally or textually), step512, and the security error index may be incremented, step 514. Onceincremented, the security error index indicates the total number oftimes an erroneous password has been entered. In a preferred embodiment,there is a maximum number of times such a password error is allowed(“MAX”). If this maximum, MAX, has been reached (step 516), an“assistance” message may be transmitted to the user, step 518,indicating, for example, who the user should call for assistance.Alternatively, the processor may automatically forward the user to ahelp-desk operator via an automatic call forwarding subroutine 128. Ifthe maximum number of attempts, MAX, has not yet been reached, the usermay be asked to re-enter a password 506.

[0051]FIG. 6 illustrates one potential method of obtaining data relatingto a particular destination in response to a user input. Upon gainingaccess to the database, the processor 116 may be put in a standby mode602. Standby mode may be any mode in which the system is standing bywaiting for an instruction or request. In a preferred embodiment, thestandby mode occurs without utilizing airtime or database access time.While in standby mode the processor continues to check whether a featuremode key or a number code/sequence on the communication device has beentransmitted 604, 608. If a mode key has been transmitted 604, thecommunication device goes into that particular mode, and the error indexassociated with the identifier combination (“identifier error index”) isreset to zero (0), step 605. If neither a feature mode key nor a numbercode/sequence is received from or transmitted by the user, the processor116 remains in standby mode and continues to check whether a user inputhas been transmitted, 604, 608.

[0052] If a number code or sequence has been transmitted by the user608, the processor may compare that number code or sequence to a list ofpredetermined identifier combinations 609 to determined if the user hastransmitted a valid identifier combination 610. If there is no matchbetween the sequence transmitted by the user and any of thepredetermined identifier combinations (thus indicating that the receivedsequence was not a valid identifier combination), step 610, an errormessage may be transmitted to the user 612, and the identifier errorindex may be incremented 614. If the identifier error index is greaterthan or equal to a predetermined maximum value (MAX) 616, an“assistance” message may be transmitted to the user, step 618,indicating, for example, who the user should call for assistance ortransfers the user to a help-desk operator via the automatic callforwarding feature 128. The identifier error index is then reset to zero(0), step 620, and the processor would be returned to the standby mode,step 602. If the maximum number of attempts, MAX, has not yet beenreached, the processor is returned to the standby mode, step 602.

[0053] If the processor determines that a valid identifier combinationis received from the user, step 610, the data record associated with theentered identifier combination may be transmitted to the communicationdevice 622. As explained above, in one embodiment of the invention, avalid identifier combination may include a location identifier followedby a link identifier (e.g., “#”) followed by a need identifier. Further,the need identifier may be followed by another link identifier and thena sub-need identifier. Thus, for example, if based on Tables 1A and 1B auser enters a sequence “1#4#3” (where, in this example, “1” is thelocation identifier, “#” is a link identifier, “4” is a need identifier,and “3” is a sub-need identifier), and the processor determines that theidentifier combination transmitted is a valid identifier combination610, the data record uniquely corresponding to the entered identifiercombination (i.e., the data record describing the third restaurant in alist of restaurants near the Eiffel Tower) is transmitted to the uservia the communication device, and the identifier error index is reset tozero (0), step 622. In a preferred embodiment, where the communicationdevice is a telephone, the data file may be transmitted by way of anaural message. However, the data record may be additionally oralternatively transmitted by way of a written message where thecommunication device includes a display.

[0054] While the data record is being transmitted to the user, the usermay desire to stop, pause, fast forward, skip, or rewind the messagewhile it is being transmitted. If the user stops the transmission of thedata file while in progress by pressing “clear” or “stop”, 624, thetransmission stops, 626, and the processor is returned to the standbymode 602. If the user pauses transmission of the data record by pressing“pause”, 628, a timer, T, is set to zero (0), 630, and the message ispaused 632 for a predetermined period of time, T_(MAX), 634-636. If,during the predetermined period of time the user presses the “pause” keyagain 636, the pause is cancelled 638, and transmission of the datarecord resumes from where it was left when the pause was initiated.However, if the system is left in the pause mode for a period of timegreater than T_(MAX), the processor returns to the standby mode.

[0055] If, during transmission of the data record, the user presseseither the “fast forward” or “return/rewind” keys, steps 640 or 642,respectively, the fast forward or return/rewind subroutines are executedas described below with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9. If, duringtransmission of the data record the communication device transmits a newidentifier combination 644, the steps of comparing the number code orsequence to a pre-determined list of identifier combinations 646, andchecking whether the new sequence is a valid identifier combination 610is repeated, as well as the subsequent steps previously described.Finally, if, during transmission of the data record, no keys are enteredand the transmission of the data record is completed, 627, the processoragain returns to the standby mode 602.

[0056]FIG. 7 illustrates a process of accessing the database by amerchant. In certain circumstances, a merchant (124 of FIG. 1a) maydesire to access the database in order to verify, add or deleteinformation relating to his business. First, the merchant either locallyor remotely connects to the database 702. Then, the merchant gainsaccess to the database by entering and verifying a password 704, 706.Finally, once the merchant has entered a valid password, he or she mayperform various tasks on any data files to which that merchant has beengiven access 708. For example, the merchant may add information to ordelete information from a particular data file.

[0057]FIG. 8 illustrates a fast forward subroutine that may be providedin accordance with the invention. If, during the transmission of a datarecord, a user transmits a fast forward instruction by pressing a fastforward key 154 as described with respect to FIG. 1b, or some otherpre-programmed fast forward identifier (generally referred to as thefast-forward identifier) on the communication device, step 640, theprocessor executes a fast forward subroutine 800. In one embodiment, afast forward (“FF”) timer, T_(FF), is first set to zero (0), and a FFindex is set to one (1), step 802. If the processor detects that the FFidentifier has been held for longer than a predetermined period of time,T_(HoldMax), 803, then the current data record is advanced by an amountof time equal to T_(FFHold) 805, where T_(FFHold) is equal to the lengthof time the FF identifier is held for.

[0058] If the FF identifier is not held down for longer thanT_(HoldMax), then the fast forward subroutine operates in a “skip” modeas described below. If the FF identifier is pressed again, step 806,within a predetermined time period (e.g., T_(FFmax)=1 second), step 804,then the FF index is incremented, and the FF timer, T_(FF), is reset tozero, step 808. If the FF identifier is again selected within T_(FFmax),(steps 804-806), the FF index is again incremented and the FF timer,T_(FF), is again reset to zero, 808. This process may continue until noadditional FF instruction is transmitted within T_(FFmax).

[0059] If the total number of times the FF identifier is transmitted isnot greater than one (1), 810 (i.e., indicating that the fast forwardidentifier was only selected one time), then the processor mayautomatically transmit the next data record, 812, and the process againreturns to step 624 (of FIG. 6) and continues on as described withrespect to FIG. 6. However, if the FF index is greater than one (1),then the processor advances accordingly and transmits a sub-file basedon the value of FF index. For example, if the FF index is three (3)(indicating the user pressed the FF identifier three times in relativelyquick succession), then the processor advances by three (3) sub-files.

[0060]FIG. 9 illustrates a return/rewind subroutine that may be providedin accordance with the invention. If, during the transmission of a datarecord, a user transmits a rewind instruction by pressing a rewind key156 as described with respect to FIG. 1b, or some other pre-programmedrewind identifier (generally referred to as the rewind identifier) onthe communication device, step 640, the processor executes a rewindsubroutine 900. In one embodiment, a rewind (“RW”) timer, T_(RW), isfirst set to zero (0), and a RW index is set to one (1), step 902. Ifthe processor detects that the RW identifier has been held for longerthan a predetermined period of time, T_(HoldMax), 905, then the currentdata record is rewound by an amount of time equal to T_(RWHold) 905,where T_(RWHold) is equal to the length of time the RW identifier isheld for.

[0061] If the RW identifier is not held down for longer thanT_(HoldMax), then the rewind subroutine operates in a “skip” mode asdescribed below. If the RW identifier is pressed again, step 906, withina predetermined time period (e.g., T_(RWmax)=1 second), step 904, thenthe RW index is incremented, and the RW timer, T_(RW), is reset to zero,step 908. If the RW identifier is again selected within T_(RWmax),(steps 904-906), the RW index is again incremented and the RW timer,T_(RW), is again reset to zero, 908. This process may continue until noadditional RW instruction is transmitted within T_(RWmax).

[0062] If the total number of times the RW identifier is selected is notgreater than one (1), 910 (i.e., indicating that the rewind identifierwas only selected one time), then the processor may automatically returnto the beginning of the data record currently being transmitted, 912,and the process again returns to step 624 (of FIG. 6) and continues onas described with respect to FIG. 6. However, if the RW index is greaterthan one (1), then the processor rewinds or returns accordingly andtransmits a sub-file based on the value of (RW index—1). For example, ifthe RW index is three (3) (indicating the user pressed the RW identifierthree times in relatively quick succession), then the processor rewindsby two (2) (i.e., 3-1) sub-files.

[0063]FIG. 10 illustrates a potential process for providing an addressbook mode which may be provided in connection with the presentinvention. The address book preferably includes a list of emergency,general information and other useful phone numbers. As explained withrespect to FIG. 6, while in the standby mode, the processor 116 maycheck whether a feature mode instruction has been transmitted orreceived (step 604), and if a feature mode instruction has beentransmitted or received, a subroutine corresponding to that feature modemay be executed, while the identifier error index is reset to zero (0),step 605. For the address book subroutine, once the address book modeinstruction is received by the processor, 1002, the first entry in theaddress book is displayed textually (and/or recited aurally) 1004. If,in response to the displayed or recited address book entry, an “enter”instruction is received by the processor (referred to as a “callinstruction”), 1006, the communication device may be controlled toinitiate a call to the phone number stored by that address book entry,1008. When the call is complete, the user may end the call (e.g., bypressing “exit”), and the processor is again returned to the standbymode 1010. If a scroll down or scroll up instruction is given by theuser (instead of a “call” instruction), step 1012, then the next entryin the address book is displayed or recited, step 1014. This process ofscrolling through the address book entries continues until either a callis initiated, step 1008, or the user exits the address book mode, 1016.If the user exits the address book mode, 1016, the communication deviceis again returned to the standby mode 602.

[0064] Although many routines and programs are described in detailherein with respect to FIGS. 5 (security program/subroutine), 6 (pauseprogram), 7 (merchant access), 8 (fast forward subroutine), 9(return/rewind subroutine), and 10 (address book program), these areonly sample routines and/or programs, and it is understood by one ofskill in the art that other types of routines may be implemented by theprocessor (116 of FIG. 1a) or by the communication device itself. Forexample, a simple call forwarding routine may be implemented whereby auser accesses a data file which identifies a merchant or some otherentity having a telephone number, and the user wants to be automaticallyconnected to that merchant or entity. The automatic connection may beachieved by the user entering an “automatic dialer identifier” (e.g., apredetermined number key), which instructs the processor to connect theuser to such merchant or entity.

[0065] One embodiment of the invention incorporates a merchantenrollment program whereby merchants (e.g., restaurant and boutiqueowners) who are enrolled in the database may provide users with specialtreatment in the form of gifts, discounts, complimentary drinks or otherforms of compensation. The merchant enrollment program typicallyincludes a contracted agreement with the merchant, whereby the merchantagrees to provide pre-determined services to users of the database inexchange for a privileged position in the list of need or sub-needidentifiers. For example, a merchant desiring to be listed as the firstboutique in the list of boutiques near a particular geographic locationmay agree to provide certain pre-determined services to users of thedatabase. One way in which a user may redeem rewards from a particularmerchant is by presenting a system VIP card 125 as shown in FIG. 1a toparticipating merchants in order to receive such compensation orrewards. It is noted that a unique need identifier may be availablecorresponding to compensation offered by merchants, whereas sub-needidentifiers reference particular merchants. Table 2 illustrates anexample: TABLE 2 1 = Emergency 1: Emergency A 2: Emergency B 2 =Entertainment 1: Entertainment A 2: Entertainment B 3: Entertainment C4: Entertainment D 3 = Shopping 1: Shopping A 2: Shopping B 3: ShoppingC 4 = Special Events 1: Event A 2: Event B 3: Event C * * * * * * 20 =Merchant Rewards 1: Merchant reward A 2: Merchant reward B 3: Merchantreward C

[0066] In the example of Table 2, a user might enter “20#3” to getinformation about rewards offered by Merchant C, where 20 is the needidentifier and 3 is the sub-need identifer.

[0067] In one embodiment, the user enters an identifier combinationcorresponding to a particular category of information which includesinformation about merchants in or near a particular geographic location,and if the user subsequently purchases an item from a merchant enrolledin the database, the user receives some type of special treatment asdescribed above. In one embodiment, the merchants may be selected forenrollment into the database based on their capacity to satisfy specificneeds or desires of users relative to a particular travel destination.The enrolled merchant may pay a fee in exchange for the “airtime” givenin one or more data records in the database. Such fee may be, forexample, a flat fee or a percentage of revenues received from usersreferred to the particular merchant via the database.

[0068] The present system may also include standard or conventionalreport generation software that automatically generates airtime-billingreports whenever the user is provided with a portable communicationsdevice requiring use of airtime. The software may be configured togenerate the reports on a daily, weekly or per-use basis. Based on thereports, users may be billed for airtime associated with their use ofthe communications device. Further, the reports may provide informationconcerning frequency and duration of local calls, long distance calls,or access to the database. Additionally, various other types ofinformation may be provided in database-generated reports. For example,database reports may provide statistics on the number and duration ofconsultations for each identifier combination, thereby allowing systemupdates as a function of user needs and preferences. Additionally, thereports may provide demographic data about the users, includinggeographic regions of such users.

[0069] The present invention may be implemented in a variety ofapplications. For example, as suggested in the foregoing detaileddescription, the invention is particularly useful in the travel industrywhereby tourists to a particular city are provided with system maps anda communication device, and such users may obtain data files in thedatabase as described above in detail. Similarly, as described herein,the invention may be used by newcomers moving to a new city. In such acontext, the need identifiers may focus on less tourist-type needs andmore resident-type needs (e.g., housing, grocery stores, drug stores,job listings, beauty salons, schools, doctors' officers, fitnesscenters, religious services, etc.). As another example, the presentinvention may be used by business travelers. In such a context, the needidentifiers may focus on needs such as, for example, business centers,airports, or other categories of information specific to the type ofbusiness of the business traveler. As another example, the presentinvention may be used to provide information to users in a shopping mallcontext wherein the system could provide opportune knowledge as afunction of specific user needs such as sales items by product type, newproduct arrivals by user sex or age, season trends by product type, orspecial events (e.g., style shows, make-up artists, etc.).

[0070] While various embodiments of the application have been described,it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof this invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restrictedexcept in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed:
 1. A method for providing data relating to a geographiclocation in response to a user input comprising: providing a mapincluding said geographic location; receiving an identifier combinationcomprising a location identifier corresponding to said geographiclocation and a need identifier corresponding to a category ofinformation associated with said geographic location; accessing saiddata relating to said geographic location in a remote database, based onsaid identifier combination; and transmitting said data relating to saidgeographic location to a user via a communication device.
 2. The methodof claim 1 further comprising requiring a security check in order toprovide access to said database.
 3. The method of claim 2 furthercomprising transmitting a welcome message when access to said databaseis provided.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving a needidentifier includes receiving a need identifier corresponding tohistorical data.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving a needidentifier includes receiving a need identifier corresponding toshopping data.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving a needidentifier includes receiving a need identifier corresponding to atleast one of restaurant data, entertainment data, nearby sites data, andspecial events data.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving alocation identifier includes receiving a location identifiercorresponding to at least one of a city, region, country, shopping mall,theme park, building, street address, store and campus.
 8. The method ofclaim 1 wherein transmitting said data includes transmitting said dataaurally.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein transmitting includestransmitting said data textually.
 10. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising providing a feature mode to allow said user to execute acorresponding feature.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein providing afeature mode includes providing an address book.
 12. The method of claim11 further comprising providing an ability to automatically dial a phonenumber in said address book.
 13. The method of claim 10 whereinproviding a feature mode includes providing a currency converter. 14.The method of claim 10 wherein providing a feature mode includesproviding a call forwarding mode.
 15. The method of claim 1 furtherproviding a full size map and a plurality of focused maps, wherein eachfocused map uniquely corresponds to one of a plurality of geographiclocations on said full size map.
 16. The method of claim 15 furthercomprising providing one or more indicia on at least one of said fullsize map and said plurality of focused maps, wherein each of saidindicia corresponds to one or more data files in said database.
 17. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising allowing said user to pause thetransmission of said data.
 18. The method of claim 1 further comprisingallowing said user to fast forward the transmission of said data. 19.The method of claim 1 further comprising allowing said user to rewindthe transmission of said data.
 20. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising providing a merchant enrollment program.
 21. The method ofclaim 20 further comprising providing an identification card via whichsaid user redeems rewards from said merchant enrollment program.
 22. Themethod of claim 21 wherein providing said merchant enrollment programcomprises payment by a merchant in exchange for airtime
 23. A system forproviding data relating to a geographic location in response to a userinput comprising: a map including said geographic location; a databasecomprising said data relating to said geographic location; a pluralityof identifier combinations, each comprising a location identifiercorresponding to said geographic location and a need identifiercorresponding to a category of information associated with saidgeographic location; and a communication device for receiving one ofsaid identifier combinations from a user, and transmitting one of saiddata files to said user based on said received identifier combination.24. The system of claim 23 wherein said need identifier corresponds tohistorical data.
 25. The system of claim 23 wherein said need identifiercorresponds to shopping data.
 26. The system of claim 23 wherein saidneed identifier corresponds to at least one of restaurant data,entertainment data, nearby sites data, and special events data.
 27. Thesystem of claim 23 wherein said location identifier corresponds to atleast one of a city, region, country, shopping mall, theme park,building, street address, store and campus.
 28. The system of claim 23wherein said data file is transmitted to said user aurally.
 29. Thesystem of claim 23 wherein said data file is transmitted to said usertextually.
 30. The system of claim 23 wherein said communication devicecomprises one or more feature modes.
 31. The system of claim 30 whereinsaid feature modes includes an address book mode.
 32. The system ofclaim 31 further comprising an ability to automatically dial a phonenumber in said address book.
 33. The system of claim 30 wherein saidfeature modes includes a currency converter mode.
 34. The system ofclaim 30 wherein said feature modes includes a call forwarding mode. 35.The system of claim 23 further comprising a full size map and aplurality of focused maps, wherein each focused map uniquely correspondsto one of a plurality of geographic locations on said full size map. 36.The system of claim 35 further comprising one or more indicia on atleast one of said full size map and said plurality of focused maps,wherein each of said indicia corresponds to one or more data files insaid database.
 37. The system of claim 23 wherein the transmission ofsaid data is paused.
 38. The system of claim 23 wherein the transmissionof said data is fast-forwarded.
 39. The system of claim 23 wherein thetransmission of said data is rewound.
 40. The system of claim 23 furthercomprising a merchant enrollment program.
 41. The system of claim 40further comprising an identification card via which said user redeemsrewards from said merchant enrollment program.
 42. The system of claim40 wherein said merchant enrollment program comprises payment by saidmerchant in exchange for airtime.
 43. A system for providing datarelating to a geographic location in response to a user inputcomprising: means for providing a map including said geographiclocation; means for receiving an identifier combination comprising alocation identifier corresponding to said geographic location and a needidentifier corresponding to a category of information associated withsaid geographic location; means for accessing said data relating to saidgeographic location in a remote database, based on said identifiercombination; and means for transmitting said data relating to saidgeographic location to a user via a communication device.
 44. The systemof claim 43 further comprising means for requiring a security check inorder to provide access to said a database.
 45. The system of claim 44further comprising means for transmitting a welcome message when accessto said database is provided.
 46. The system of claim 43 wherein saidneed identifier corresponds to historical data.
 47. The system of claim43 wherein said need identifier corresponds to shopping data.
 48. Thesystem of claim 43 wherein said need identifier corresponds to at leastone of restaurant data, entertainment data, nearby sites data, andspecial events data.
 49. The system of claim 43 wherein said locationidentifier corresponds to a city, region, country, shopping mall, themepark, building, street address, store and campus.
 50. The system ofclaim 43 wherein said data is transmitted aurally.
 51. The system ofclaim 43 wherein said data is transmitted textually.
 52. The system ofclaim 43 further comprising means for providing a feature mode to allowsaid user to execute a corresponding feature.
 53. The system of claim 52wherein said feature mode is an address book.
 54. The system of claim 53further comprising means for automatically dialing a phone number insaid address book.
 55. The system of claim 52 wherein said feature modeis a currency converter.
 56. The system of claim 52 wherein said featuremode is a call forwarding mode.
 57. The system of claim 43 furthercomprising means for providing a full size map and a plurality offocused maps, wherein each focused map corresponds to one of a pluralityof geographic locations on said full size map.
 58. The system of claim57 further comprising means for providing one or more indicia on atleast one of said full size map and said plurality of focused maps,wherein each of said indicia corresponds to one or more data files insaid database.
 59. The system of claim 43 further comprising means forpausing the transmission of said data.
 60. The system of claim 43further comprising means for fast forwarding the transmission of saiddata.
 61. The system of claim 43 further comprising means for rewindingthe transmission of said data.
 62. The system of claim 43 furthercomprising means for compensating said user.
 63. The system of claim 43further comprising means for providing a merchant enrollment program.64. The system of claim 63 wherein said merchant enrollment programcomprises payment by a merchant in exchange for airtime.
 65. A methodfor providing data relating to a particular destination in response to auser input comprising: providing a map including said particulardestination; receiving an identifier combination comprising a needidentifier corresponding to one of a plurality of categories ofinformation which define said particular destination, and a sub-needidentifier corresponding to a sub-category of information furtherdefining said category of information accessing said data relating tosaid particular destination in a remote database, based on saididentifier combination; and transmitting said data relating to saidparticular destination to a user via a communication device.
 66. Themethod of claim 65 further comprising requiring a security check inorder to provide access to said database.
 67. The method of claim 66further comprising transmitting a welcome message when access to saiddatabase is provided.
 68. The method of claim 65 wherein receiving aneed identifier includes receiving a need identifier corresponding totime and money savers.
 69. The method of claim 68 wherein receiving asub-need identifier includes receiving a sub-need identifiercorresponding to currency exchange.
 70. The method of claim 65 whereinreceiving a need identifier includes receiving a need identifiercorresponding to entertainment information.
 71. The method of claim 70wherein receiving a sub-need identifier includes receiving a sub-needidentifier corresponding to nightclubs.
 72. The method of claim 70wherein receiving a sub-need identifier includes receiving a sub-needidentifier corresponding to theater.
 73. The method of claim 70 whereinreceiving a sub-need identifier includes receiving a sub-need identifiercorresponding to sports facilities.
 74. The method of claim 65 whereinreceiving a need identifier includes receiving a need identifiercorresponding to shopping data.
 75. The method of claim 74 whereinreceiving a sub-need identifier includes receiving a sub-need identifiercorresponding to department stores.
 76. The method of claim 74 whereinreceiving a sub-need identifier includes receiving a sub-need identifiercorresponding to street markets.
 77. The method of claim 74 whereinreceiving a sub-need identifier includes receiving a sub-need identifiercorresponding to antique dealers.
 78. The method of claim 65 whereintransmitting said data includes transmitting said data aurally.
 79. Themethod of claim 65 wherein transmitting includes transmitting said datatextually.
 80. The method of claim 65 further comprising providing afeature mode to allow said user to execute a corresponding feature. 81.The method of claim 80 wherein providing a feature mode includesproviding an address book.
 82. The method of claim 81 further comprisingproviding an ability to automatically dial a phone number in saidaddress book.
 83. The method of claim 80 wherein providing a featuremode includes providing a currency converter.
 84. The method of claim 80wherein providing a feature mode includes providing a call forwardingmode.
 85. The method of claim 65 further comprising compensating saiduser.
 86. The method of claim 85 wherein compensating said usercomprises providing said user with an identification card for redeemingsaid compensation.
 87. The method of claim 65 further comprisingproviding a merchant enrollment program.
 88. The method of claim 87wherein said merchant enrollment program comprises payment by saidmerchant in exchange for airtime.
 89. The method of claim 65 furthercomprising providing one or more indicia on said full size map, whereineach of said indicia corresponds to one or more data files in saiddatabase.